News Article

Brandon and Mandar the supporting cast as foreigners help Goa past Kerala

The Gaurs delivered a classic away performance to edge the Blasters in Kochi on Sunday evening.

In what was a rather cold night at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, visitors FC Goa defeated Kerala Blasters, as Edu Bedia scored the winner. The result meant the home side were unable to take the revenge for the drubbing they received from the Gaurs in the reverse fixture.

Despite foreigners starring on the night, Indian players also established their presence successfully. It was FC Goa's Brandon Fernandes, and Mandar Rao Desai, who helped them keep the dominance over the southern rivals. However, with this win, the Goans remained fourth, while Kerala Blasters are standing seventh.

Let's take a look at how every Indian players performed.

Kerala Blasters

The captain had a decent game against FC Goa. He co-ordinated brilliantly with Wes Brown, and often thwarted the attacks made by the Goan players. He came upfront, helped the team initiate their attack. He plied his trade on the right wing, when Rino Anto got injured, but the Minister of Defense had nothing to do on those two occasions the visitors scored.

He was forced to leave the pitch after suffering an injury at the end of the first half. He was not that impressive for Blasters and his incompetence helped FC Goa's Mandar Rao Desai assist Ferran Corominas' first goal.

The youngster was employed at left-back as usual. He had a busy day against the Gaurs. He had to impede the marauding runs of Goan players through his flank which mostly did. However, he was not that effective in attack.

Contrary to his performance in the previous games, Siam Hangal looked more competent and lethal in the midfield for Kerala. He not only helped the home side hinder the visitors' dominance in the middle of the park, but also assisted CK Vineeth's goal and had two shots off target. He was unfortunate not to have his name on the scoreseet as his shot hit the bar.

Milan Singh had a dreadful game against Goa. He failed to command the midfield and has a pathetic 55% pass accuracy in the game. Add to that, he made just two interceptions which is paltry when compared to the potency the Gaurs showed in attack.

Athletic and radiant, Jackichand Singh was a threat on the flanks. He did many marauding blitzes throughout and launched eight crosses. He also made two tackles. Despite these stats, he was unable to turn things around for Blasters and he failed to initiate movements that could split the defense open.

The 'Finisher' displayed vividly for the home side. He was a peril to the Goan defense throughout and he often went past the defenders. But, what he lacked was the final touch. He got many opportunities to pull the trigger but scuffed his shots. However, he pulled one back for his team in the 29th minute.

FC Goa

The shot-stopper had a decent game against the southerners. The firm and flinty approach of his teammates offered him a not-so-busy day at the office. He made three saves in the game, but failed to keep a clean-sheet as Vineeth put one past him.

Employed on the right flank, Seriton Fernandes made 69 passes throughout the game and had a hefty share constituting 11% of the touches his team made. He did his best to prevent Kerala's attacks, which primarily relied on counters.

Tenacious at the stem of Sergio Lobera's battleship, Ali had a decent game. He was there to tear the relentless attempts of the home side and fortunate not to give away a penalty after jostling Vineeth in the box.

Indian International, Narayan Das was appointed to thwart the quick counters of Jackichand. He floundered to accomplish the task, and was prone, commiting fouls. He made few interceptions, and tackles.

One of the best Indian players on the field, Brandon Fernandes had a good day at the office. He orchestrated the play for Goa along with his teammates and his knack to turn things around had a fine share in the goals the visitors scored.

Akin to Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai was also influential and impressive for Sergio Lobera's side. He mingled well in the midfield and helped the team enhance their attacking prowess against a fragile Blasters defense.